Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

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144517 Unique Reference Number 06 August 2008 Inspection date Janette Mary White Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2000. She lives with one adult child in Hackney, London. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Written consents for the children are completed on their individual information form. However, the childminder has not ensured that parents tick the consent to seek emergency treatment or advice on behalf of their child. The childminder has an up-to-date first aid certificate in order to ensure appropriate first aid treatment is given to children. First aid equipment is now easily accessible, but no basic supplies are taken on outings. There is a system to maintain records on accidents, medication and existing injuries. The childminder offers clear explanations of why children must wash their hands before eating. She uses a changing mat and gloves when changing children’s nappies. Children are provided with a range of experiences to develop an

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 understanding of good health issues and she reminds them to use tissues, and to throw these in the bin. They are beginning to extend their own role play experiences by copying the childminder as they ‘pretend’ to change the dolls and try to use gloves and wipes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to make healthy choices regarding the food they eat. Drinks are readily available throughout the day and the childminder offers gentle reminders. The childminder works together with the parents to ensure individual dietary needs are met. The childminder describes how they regularly visit parks and playgrounds to actively promote children’s physical skills, such as playing with a football. Children are beginning to become aware of when they need to rest or have a drink. The childminder encourages them to attempt new challenges, which in turn supports their sense of well-being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's home. They play freely and independently within the available space. Smoke alarms are provided on every level and there is a fire blanket easily accessible. The childminder describes how she practises the emergency escape plan with children. However, she has no details of when these took place and the written procedure does not fully promote younger children’s understanding. For example, there are no pictures to accompany the words. The childminder has some knowledge of child protection policies. However, she is less familiar with the procedures approved by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. In addition, she is uncertain of the process for allegations made against her family or any visitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children move around within safe boundaries. The childminder gives some consideration to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children’s safety outside the home. For example, she talks about crossing roads safely and uses high visibility jackets when they are out walking or playing in the park. Children select toys and equipment which meet safety standards. For example, the childminder monitors and supervises children’s choice of toys and removes some with small pieces until she can supervise them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enjoy exploring the broad range of activities which contribute to their creativity, such as listening and moving to music, playing with small world people and pretending to cook. Children are beginning to make decisions when choosing equipment. Toys and resources are stored in boxes. However, there are no pictures or words for the children to begin to develop independent choice or their self help skills. The childminder has completed training on the Birth to three matters framework. However, she does not use this to adapt activities to extend children’s development and learning. Children are beginning to learn about the house rules and she praises them for their efforts. However, these rules are not always used to reinforce the children’s understanding of acceptable behaviour.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are stimulated by using a variety of toys, puzzles, role play resources and activities. They have opportunities to play with resources to promote equality of opportunity. They are supported and beginning to show confidence. They enjoy choosing from an appealing range of readily available activities and experiences. These include interactive toys to help young children listen, respond and make connections. Children are developing their early creative skills by experimenting with art and craft activities. The childminder organises her time, the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 space and toys in order to support the children’s sense of well-being. They benefit from close contact with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder works in partnership with parents and takes account of their different needs. However, she lacks the knowledge and understanding of the current complaints process and the requirements relating to informing parents. This is a breach of regulation, but the childminder confirms she will take appropriate action to address this point. Children are affirmed and treated as individuals by the childminder. She has an understanding of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. However, not all the information to enable appropriate care is recorded or discussed with parents, such as religion and language. The childminder has a general awareness of children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children demonstrate a sense of belonging and are provided with resources, toys and experiences including some positive images of equality. Children feel secure and benefit from consistency of care, which is achieved by the childminder and parents working together. The parents have given written permission for children to be transported. Children are only released into the care of authorised adults. However, there is no procedure in place for an emergency, such as passwords. Children respond to praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and settled within a homely environment. The childminder has experience of working with children of differing ages and abilities. First aid training is up-to-date to ensure the appropriate care is given to children. Most records are accessible and ready for inspection and the childminder is aware of how long these must be retained. However, some children's details do not include all the necessary information in order for the childminder to take action on their behalf. The childminder displays the registration certificate and the register contains details of the hours of attendance. However, there is no record of when visitors are present. Children's welfare and care are promoted, due to the childminder keeping most of the required records and documents. The childminder has completed all the relevant checks. She meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous inspection raised three recommendations: to provide an appropriate range of activities and additional resources to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice; to ensure children's resources are organised to enable them to access these easily; and to develop procedures should an allegation be made against the childminder or a member of her household.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has organised the toys and resources, and extended the range of activities and resources in order to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children are able to freely choose resources and play with toys reflecting equal opportunities. However, she has not developed any procedures should an allegation be made against the childminder or a member of the household. A further recommendation has been raised in this respect.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • increase knowledge and understanding of child protection, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures, including the procedure for allegations made against her family or visitors. • develop children’s independence and self help skills by appropriately labelling resources. • ensure there is a system to keep a written record of complaints and a summary for parents and Ofsted. • ensure the children’s details include information on their appropriate care needs.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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